It was a great night last night! We had 2 newbies come out and join us -- Welcome Gunar and Mary P. And 2 regulars -- Kathy M. and Caroline D.

The evening started off with a cloudless sky and as we walked down to the lake we had a flyover of several Black-bellied Whistling Ducks (later in the evening we counted a total of 8). We had a total of 5 species of amphibians: American Bullfrog; Rio Grande Leopard Frog (seen only); Gulf Coast Toad (seen only); Blanchard's Cricket Frog; Green Tree Frog (heard only).

At 8:36 p.m. we started listening for frogs and were immediately serenaded by a chorus of Blanchard's Cricket Frogs. I got recordings of the frogs at CI=1 but they got up to a full chorus at CI=3. Listen to link here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3613194. Several young Blanchard's Cricket Frogs were actively jumping near the shore. One of the larger ones was photographed and is posted here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612468

At 8:39 the Green Tree Frogs began calling at a CI =1 and reached a CI=3. The best recording I have is this one at CI=1: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612922

While we did not hear any Gulf Coast Toads or Rio Grande Leopard frogs calling, I did get pictures of both. The Gulf Coast Toad is posted here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612471 and the Rio Grande Leopard is posted here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612592 . We spotted a total of 2 for each species.

Just as the evening was nearing a close a medium sized American Bullfrog was spotted about 10' from the shore of the lake. Kathy M. used her amazing amphibian catching abilities and captured it. Photo posted here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612470 We did hear one Bullfrog call earlier in then night, but were unable to get a recording.

In addition to the amphibian friends, we also saw a Redstripe Ribbon Snake in the branches of a Buttonbush near the edge of the lake. The snake appeared to be lying in wait for tree frogs. Photo link here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612591

On the way out of the park I checked the culvert and we got to enjoy 2 Diamondback Water Snakes hunting for small fish. Photos of the smaller snake are posted here: http://www.inaturalist.org/observations/3612469

Kathy M. took photos of a Four-spotted Pennant Dragonfly.

All and all a really great night with lots to see.

Air Temp (C): 30
No. of people in party: 5
Sky: No or few clouds
Relative humidity: 61
Water T (°C): 30
Water Level: High
Wind Speed - Beaufort: 3